2014E350guy

Hey All,

New user here; this site is awesome! First I feel compelled to mention that I'm pretty novice when it comes to DIY car work; sorry in advance for the remedial question...

Anyway, I just bought an aftermarket illuminated star for my 2014 E350 Sport and am looking to splice (T Tap) it into the headlights as opposed to carrying it all the way to the fuse box. My questions are:

1. Am I correct in thinking that I want to T Tap into the headlight wire if I only want them on when my headlights are on (and when I manually lock/unlock using the fob)? I'm assuming low beam is the appropriate one...
2. If so, how do I access that? And once I find it, which color wire is it? Lastly,
3. What's the gauge of the wire into which I'm tapping (assume it's the "headlight" wire...)

Thanks so much in advance!
*I can't find a video anywhere that gives me enough info to feel comfortable doing this just yet...

DFWdude

Run the wire to the fusebox as others have done. This keeps the added wiring separate from any other system, which remains intact.

Do NOT splice into the headlight wires. Nothing but grief if you do...

The cable supplied is long enough to run to the fuse box and still be concealed.

Read these threads...

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ml#post7927746

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...installed.html

boardboy330

I recommend fuse 9, not 23 as stated. Always try to stay off shared lines with electronics. Fuse 9 is the cig port. Generally speaking most chargers are 3A at most and the star should be around 2Aish so well within the 5-10A rating. Also, it will power the same as 23 as they run at the same time.

2014E350guy

I read the links you provided; thanks! There is some good info in there, but a lot of back-and-forth on which fuse to tap, clicking noises, intermittent turning on/off, etc. There isn't one agreed-upon answer - especially not one that does what I want it to do (turn on only when my headlights are on). Fuse #9 (cigarette lighter) seems to be the next best option, but it would be on when the engine is on (regardless of day or night).

DFWdude

See your PMs...

Initially, I also wanted my star to light only at night like everybody else. In reality, however, the lighted star will run all the time the car is running. Even the genuine MB kit sold for post-delivery installation works this way. (There are two MB kits, and I refer to the easier to install one.)

I think the problem is that people think the star will look odd during daylight. It won't because the lighting is completely invisible in daylight. It's dim enough to work at dusk/night, as intended, but far far too dim to be seen during the day. No ticking, erratic lighting behavior, etc.

I've looked at mine several times during overcast days and can't tell it's on at all. And being an LED design, it should operate for years before going out. And when it does, $30-$40 for a new kit is the easy fix.